Gunmen kill palace Chief Jimah Ogboi in Edo State and abduct his two daughters. Police launch investigation as traditional ruler calls for urgent security support
Gunmen have killed a high-ranking palace chief in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, and abducted two of his daughters in a late-night attack.
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The victim, Chief Jimah Ogboi, was reportedly shot dead when the assailants stormed his residence on Monday night.
His wife was severely injured after being attacked with a machete and other weapons, while the gunmen fled with two of his daughters.
One of his sons, Lucky, said he had stepped out to purchase an item when the attack occurred. He said he was later informed that his father had been killed and returned home to find his mother in critical condition.
A community source disclosed that the incident prompted an emergency meeting of elders to discuss efforts to secure the release of the abducted daughters and address the root causes of the violence.
The traditional ruler of the community, Alhaji Amedu Momoh, appealed to the Edo State Government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
“About four of them went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and went away with two of the daughters. Nigerian Police and other security agencies have come here since the incident happened,” he said.
“We need assistance in tackling security issues. The government should come and assist us. There has been some calm in our land, but it’s like they have gone to reinforce.”
He also expressed concern over what he described as increasing attacks on farmlands by suspected herdsmen.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the command had launched an investigation.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was in Ekpoma alongside senior officers to address the security situation and prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Plateau State, three herders were reportedly killed by gunmen along the Dorowa-Jong Road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babayo, said the victims were ambushed while returning home after attending a Qur’an Tafsir session.
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Security agencies have yet to provide further details on both incidents as investigations continue.
